How much can we apply for, how much is available, and how many groups will you fund annually?

What is excluded from funding?

Organisations who already receive funding from any other Council source (excluding rates rebates)

Organisations that plan to give funds to others at their own discretion

Individuals

Expenses already incurred

Paying off debts

Land, building, renovation or maintenance costs

Overseas travel

Core operational costs that are deemed the responsibility of the applicant (eg. Education providers cannot apply for core curriculum activity)

Will it make any difference whether we are a first time applicant or have received funding previously from Council?

All applicants will be assessed according to our new strategy. There will be no advantage or disadvantage in having received funding from us previously.

Before you apply, we suggest you read the Funding Strategy. If you are still unsure, please talk to our Funding Advisor.

What is the difference between Mahia Atu Community and Mahia Atu Partnership Fund?

Partnership Fund recipients are expected to be achieving real and tangible outcomes in the community and to operate at a high level of governance and management. Because the Partnership Fund provides larger grants for multiple years, the chances of receiving funding from this are quite small.

In some years the Mahia Atu Partnership Fund may not have any available funds to allocate, depending on the level of pre-committed multi-year funding. This is further explained in the Funding Strategy on pages 10-15.

Can we apply to more than one fund?

What happens if we are granted funding but want to use it for a different purpose?

We understand circumstances change, so if they do - please contact the Funding Advisor and explain the situation. We can usually find a reasonable solution.

You are not permitted to use the funding for a different purpose without first talking with Council's funding staff and receiving approval for the change of purpose.

What is the accountability process for the funds?

We are replacing written reports with Round the Table reporting. This is where funded organisations meet in groups with Council staff and report in person. We hope this type of reporting will deepen relationships, promote trust and transparency and provide an opportunity for questions, discussions and mutual learning.

What happens to groups when they come to the end of their multi-year funding agreement?

Groups who have previously received Mahia Atu Partnership Funds are welcome to reapply. They will be considered with other applicants, and will need to demonstrate significant impact and show additional revenue streams.

Why and how Council’s community funding has changed

Why has the funding changed?

Council’s new community funding strategy is designed to support those who need it most. Community consultation carried out in 2016 supported a more targeted approach to the investment of ratepayers’ money.

We're most likely to fund groups which strongly align to our strategy and can demonstrate how our funding will directly benefit tamariki (children), rangatahi (young people) and kaumatua (seniors). Applications that are less aligned, or have an indirect impact on these groups will be lower priority for funding.

What do we mean by equity?

Council wants Lower Hutt to be “a great place, to live, work and play” for everyone.

Equity is giving everyone what they need to be successful, and is different from equality, which is about treating everyone the same.

Equality aims to promote fairness, but it can only work if everyone starts from the same place and needs the same help. This graphic is a good illustration of the concepts.

Why is Hutt City Council focusing so heavily on tamariki?

Research tells us that the earlier we invest in our tamariki the better the longer term outcomes for both them and the wider community. We also know that rangatahi and isolated elderly also have high needs, so our focus includes all three.

What do you mean by collaborative approaches?

We encourage funding applications where the project involves two or more organisations which are working closely together on the same outcomes. Collaborative applications need to specify a lead group to manage the funds.

How do I make an application for funding?

You will need to make your application online. All applications need to be made online. Click on the appropriate fund and there is a link that takes you through to our grants system. If you have not already registered, you will need to register your organization first. Remember you will not be able to make an application for funding until the funds are actually open. Check out our funding calendar.